Cafu warning for Ancelotti to skip 2026 World Cup with Brazil | OneFootball

Former Milan and Brazil star Marcos Cafu makes a surprising admission by warning he would not hire Carlo Ancelotti until after the 2026 World Cup.

Although negotiations have been at times chaotic, with over the last few days reports a deal had been done only to fall apart, then be delayed by his confused status on the Real Madrid bench, many still expect Ancelotti to be the Brazil coach after the end of this season.

The Brazilian Football Federation has been pushing hard for his signature for well over a year and seem to finally be close to their top choice, but not everyone is convinced.

Cafu does not want Ancelotti on Brazil bench yet

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on from the dug out prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“I would choose either Rogerio Ceni or Renato Gaucho for the short term,” Milan and Brazil legend Cafu told ESPN Brasil.

“Once the 2026 World Cup is over, then they can decide. They need to choose a coach, start this work, make it go through its natural progression, then a natural end.

“The problem with the Brazil team at the moment is that there is no plan, because the coaches who are hired have no guarantee they will be able to start work and see it through.”

Brazil struggling to qualify for World Cup

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 25: Leandro Paredes of Argentina argues with Rodrygo of Brazil during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on March 25, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Cafu would prefer them to wait until after the 2026 World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, then bring in Ancelotti.

The qualifiers for the tournament are already in full swing and he would have very few games to get to grips with the squad at his disposal.